MSS 99
Deaf Media Council, est. 1974-1976

Collection of Deaf Media Council, 1974-1987

Gallaudet University Archives.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 99
Creator:
Title: Collection of Deaf Media Council
Quantity: 0.5 Linear Feet (1 document box)
Abstract:  Deaf Media Council was an organization that advocated the inclusion of deaf people in mainstream media.
Note: This document last updated 2005 December 1.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Deaf Media Council collection was donated to the Gallaudet University Archives by Thomas Harrington, the DMC’s last officer before its death.

Processed by: Thomas Strunk and Cheryl Morris. 2000 October 9.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:

Vertical Files

·         Deaf Media Council. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Subject

Historical Sketch

A group of deaf people formed the Deaf Media Council (DMC) in 1974 to promote the inclusion of deaf people in the television media, behind and in front of the camera.  Their primary goal was to make the television industry more receptive to the needs of the deaf people.  Deaf people, in the past, tend not to communicate their needs to television stations.  DMC collaborated with University of Maryland for several workshops to familiarize the deaf people in the TV productions.  Thirty-minute practice sessions helped teach the deaf people how to produce television shows.  After learning that, they started to produce their own television shows.  They produced the “Signs of Christmas,” a half-hour program of signed interpretations of Christmas songs, broadcasted on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  This program was nominated for Emmy award.  Later on, they assisted Gallaudet College in developing television workshops for their students.  Apathy and lack of access to production facilities caused the death of this organization in 1976.  Don Bangs, Chuck Walworth, Betty Ingham, Edward Ingham, James Haynes, Tom Harrington, Muriel Horton, Janet Gagain, Carol Wisdom, Diane Stenz, Steve Howard, and many others consists the membership.

Scope and Content

Organizational papers fill this collection primarily.  Mostly legal documents such as minutes of the meeting, by-laws, tax exemption form, and reports are included in this collection.  Correspondences with other television organizations with Deaf Media Council are included.  DMC provided the brochures, clippings, drafts for letters, and newsletters from their organizational papers.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists

No Series.